Technology Guides

Test Taker Guides

Hebrew Guides

Overview

All of Avant’s tests include a Writing section in which test takers will need to provide typed responses. The method for inputting the language response may differ, depending on the target language for the test, and on the operating system the test will be taken on.

French, German, Italian and Spanish

The Writing section for these languages will display a character-selection box as shown to the right. Loading keyboards for these languages is not required.

Languages not Based on the Latin-Alphabet

Test Takers in languages not based on the Latin-alphabet (Arabic, Japanese, Hebrew, Mandarin, etc.) will need to switch to the special character-based input system for the Writing section of the test. Instructions for activation of the special input systems are available through your computer's operating system Help option. Search for "language" or "input language" and read the instruction related to adding input language and/or using the Language Bar (Windows) or Menu Bar (macOS) or System Tray (Chrome OS).

Steps required for setting up and typing in languages not based on the Latin-alphabet:

Step 1: Activate the language keyboard in the systemStep 2: Switch from English (or current language) to the desired languageStep 3: Type in the desired language

Avant has also compiled information to assist you in activating language keyboards and input methods in operating system specific guides:

Printed Keyboard Layouts & On-Screen Keyboards

Test takers are allowed to have a printed copy of their keyboard layout or use an on-screen keyboard during the test. We allow this exception to the "no paper" rule as long as test takers do not have access to a pen or pencil to write anything on it. Keyboard layouts and steps to use on-screen keyboards are provided in the operating system specific guides above.

Pinyin or Romaji?

Test Takers may use a Romanized version (such as Pinyin or Romaji) of a character-based language. However, in doing so, the test taker will top-out at the novice-high level. In order to score at the intermediate level or higher, test takers must show ability to use characters.

Pinyin is the Romanization of the Chinese characters based on their pronunciation. In Mandarin Chinese, the phrase "Pin Yin" literally translates into "spell sound." In other words, spelling out Chinese phrases with letters from the English alphabet.

Romaji is the Romanization of the Japanese characters based on their pronunciation. In Japanese, the phrase "Romaji" literally translates into "roman letters." In other words, spelling out Japanese phrases with letters from the English alphabet.